Optical Clock Signal Distribution via Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clock signal distribution methods in high-speed serial communication systems are susceptible to jitter and wander, leading to errors and limited transmission distances due to the need for complex Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) and high power consumption, especially at increasing data rates.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting an optical clock signal via an optical waveguide, which is converted to an electrical clock signal using a photodetector, allowing for distribution over extended lengths with reduced susceptibility to jitter, wander, and electromagnetic interference, thereby minimizing the need for PLLs and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If electrical clock signals are transmitted over long distances in high-speed serial communication systems, then transmission distance is extended, but jitter and wander increase leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical clock signal transmission with optical clock signal transmission. Optical signals are used to carry clock information over long distances without suffering from the jitter and wander problems that plague electrical signals. The optical clock signal is generated, transmitted through optical waveguides, and then converted back to electrical signals at the destination, maintaining signal integrity throughout the transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary medium for clock signal transmission. Instead of directly transmitting electrical clock signals over long PCB traces, the system converts electrical clock signals to optical signals for transmission, then converts them back to electrical signals at the receiver. This intermediary optical transmission path isolates the clock signal from electrical interference and jitter accumulation.
2Speed
If Phase-Locked Loops (PLLs) are used to generate clock signals at high frequencies, then clock signal frequency is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clock signal generation function from the receiving端 and relocates it to the transmitting端. The transmitting端 generates and transmits the optical clock signal, eliminating the need for high-power PLLs at the receiving端. This extraction of the clock generation function reduces overall system power consumption while maintaining high clock frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical PLL-based clock generation with optical clock signal transmission. Instead of using power-hungry electrical PLLs to generate high-frequency clock signals at each receiving end, the system uses a centralized optical clock source that transmits clock signals optically to multiple receivers, dramatically reducing total power consumption.
3Productivity
If complex SerDes with DSP and FEC blocks are used for high-speed serial transmission, then data transmission bandwidth is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical signal transmission and processing with optical signal transmission. By using optical clock signals and optical waveguides, the system reduces the complexity of electrical PCB traces, shielding requirements, and signal integrity management while maintaining high data transmission bandwidths.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables reliable clock signal distribution over longer distances with reduced noise sensitivity and power consumption, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of high-speed serial communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving the optical clock signal at the same clock frequency using a photodetector, and converting the optical clock signal into an electrical clock signal using the photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A clock signal distribution method and system. The clock signal distribution method includes transmitting an optical clock signal at a clock frequency via an optical waveguide, wherein the optical clock signal is transmitted separately from optical data transmissions. The method further includes receiving the optical clock signal at the same clock frequency using a photodetector and converting the optical clock signal into an electrical clock signal using the photodetector. The electrical clock signal has the same clock frequency as the optical clock signal. The method further includes transmitting the electrical clock signal at the clock frequency via an electrical connection.